The city is launching a food truck market next month, and will give first preference to Long Beach businesses interested in operating a food truck like Swingbellys, pictured.

City officials announced last week that it would allow food trucks to operate in Long Beach on a trial basis beginning next month, part of an effort to help local merchants this summer in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

The city is launching a Food Truck Market at the end of Riverside Boulevard on May 23 that will consist of businesses that currently have city mercantile licenses.

“The food trucks will be an extension and represent the existing products available at the business, and should be aesthetically pleasing and of the highest caliber and diversity of food quality as approved by the city,” read a statement on the city’s website. “Only in the event that extra spaces shall exist, then those spots may be obtained by non-mercantile businesses.”

“If extra spaces exist, it will be open to non-Long Beach business,” Councilwoman Eileen Goggin said at the April 22 Chamber of Commerce meeting.

The food truck market will be located at the municipal parking area at the end of Riverside Boulevard and Shore Road, Tuesday through Sunday, and at Kennedy Plaza on Mondays, and will operate from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. from May 23 through Sept. 2.

Those interested in participating in the food truck market may send a letter of intent, along with any supporting documents and pictures, to: City of Long Beach ATTN: City Clerk, 1 West Chester St., Long Beach, NY 11561.For more information, visit www.longbeachny.gov.